Rare Portrait Ambrotypes of Japanese People From the Late 19th Century

In the late 19th century, as Japan navigated the transformative Meiji Era, the ambrotype, known locally as garasu-shashin (glass photos), became a cherished medium for capturing the nation’s changing identity. Unlike the fleeting paper prints of the time, these underexposed glass negatives, backed with black material to create a positive image, offered a hauntingly sharp and ethereal depth.

Sourced from tokyogaz, these portraits are remarkable for their cultural synthesis, they often depict subjects in a state of flux. Typically encased in custom-carved Kiri-wood (Paulownia) boxes, these ambrotypes were treated not merely as photographs, but as sacred family talismans, preserving the stoic dignity and quiet grace of a society standing on the threshold of the modern world.

Ambrotype in pawlonia wood case. Father and son in kimono and tabi, January 2, 1882

Ambrotype of 3-year-old boy named Sawa Genzo

Ambrotype of a 19-year-old man, April 8, 1888

Ambrotype of Japanese gentleman named Suzuki Gohei in kimono, 1898

Ambrotype of three men seated at a table, upon which there is a stack of books. One of the men has a 'chon-mage' or top-knot

Ambrotype of three young Japanese gentlemen in bowler hats and traditional clothes. Probably taken around 1890

Ambrotype of two Japanese women, probably mother and daughter, June 30, 1870

Ambrotype of young businessmen. Note the curious wrapped package in his left hand, and him bare feet. Probably taken around 1890

Ambrotype of young Japanese guy, 1873

Ambrotype of young Japanese man

Japanese ambrotype of an old gentleman in hakama and hat, holding a folding fan

Japanese ambrotype of father and son in traditional dress

Japanese ambrotype of young girl

Japanese ambrotype of young man in hakama with felt hat and fan

Japanese ambrotype of young man in traditional dress

Japanese ambrotype of young woman in traditional dress

Japanese ambrotype with scratched out figure

Unusual paper bound ambrotype of a young man from the Meiji era

Unusual paper bound ambrotype of a young woman from the Meiji era

Ambrotype of two young Japanese men, 1895